Transforming an old surgical ward into a sophisticated ICU for COVID patients

Design | Healthcare

Great things can be achieved in construction when trades, designers, managers and the client work together to achieve a common goal!

During the first wave of COVID 19 Electrio was asked to assist in a group project to transform Pierce Ward, an old surgical ward at Royal United Hospital, into a sophisticated ICU (Intensive Care Unit) that could be used to help care for COVID patients.

Out with the old, in with the new

Works began with stripping out all existing installations and services to leave a bare shell. We then installed new air handling units, medical gases, UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) and IPS (isolated power supply) units and an N+ 1sub-distribution (one main supply and one back up supply capable of carrying the full load of the main supply should the main supply fail). We also installed new lighting and power to facilitate all locations.

A team effort to be proud of

Led by Tony Phelps our team worked 7 days a week for 6 weeks - at times we had fifteen members off staff on site. Everyone involved was immensely proud to have played their part in completing and delivering a much-needed, high quality care unit. So needed that patients started using it the same day it was opened.